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The Barbet (pronounced bar-bay) is an ancient breed known for its curly coat and affable disposition. Hailing from France, this water dog is easily recognized by its distinctive beard (barbe in French) from which the breed derives its name. While not as widely known in the United States as some other hunting breeds, the Barbet has a storied history. For centuries, it served as a loyal companion by retrieving waterfowl before the invention of the firing arm. The breed’s gentle and playful nature, combined with its intelligence and adaptability, make it a delightful family companion today and an engaging partner in a variety of activities.
Sporting
19 – 24.5 Inches
35 – 65 Pounds
12 – 14 Years
Country of Origin | France |
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Bred For | Flushing & Retrieving Waterfowl, Companionship |
Known For | Rustic Appearance, Profuse Coat, Cheerfulness, Intelligence |
Popularity | Low |
Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured |
Activities | Hunting, Running, Swimming, Conformation Shows, Dog Sports |
The Barbet’s history is as rich and distinctive as is the breed’s curly coat. This water dog’s roots can be traced back many centuries, with depictions of similar canines appearing in artwork from the 14th century. However, the Barbet, as it is known today has its origins firmly fixed in present-day France.
Initially, the Barbet was a utilitarian dog, prized for its prowess as a waterfowl retriever. French hunters relied on the rough water dog to fetch birds from swampland and other marshy environments. Its water-resistant, curly coat, combined with its webbed feet, made the Barbet particularly adept for such tasks.
The name Barbet is believed to be derived from the French term barbe, meaning “beard,” a nod to the breed’s characteristic beard-like facial hair. The breed has also played a pivotal role in the development of several other breeds. The Poodle, in particular, owes a significant degree of its lineage to the Barbet.
However, despite its historical significance and early development, the breed has faced the threat of extinction. Following the two World Wars, the breed’s numbers were decimated. Recognizing the breed’s cultural significance and its use in the development of so many other water-loving breeds, dedicated enthusiasts undertook efforts to revive and preserve it.
The modern Barbet remains true to its historical roots, with many of its inherent characteristics, such as its love for water and its affable nature, remaining unchanged. The breed has garnered recognition from various kennel organizations and registries around the world, with the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 2020.
From its beginnings as a trusted hunting partner to its present-day role as a beloved family companion, the breed has stood the test of time, showcasing its resilience, adaptability, and unwavering charm.
Adult Barbets typically stand between 19 and 24.5 inches tall at the withers.
Mature Barbets generally weigh from 35 to 65 pounds, proportionate to the individual dog’s height.
The Barbet’s physique exudes both strength and elegance. A robust frame, with solid bone and a well-muscled body, appears slightly rectangular in shape. This proportion emphasizes the breed’s historical role as a strong and persistent water dog. Together with the breed’s substantial head, sweeping tail, and graceful movement, the Barbet’s silhouette is fundamental to its usefulness, whether retrieving fallen game or playfully bounding through the yard.
Texture: The dense and curly texture of the Barbet’s coat is a defining breed characteristic. The profuse coat, which sports a distinctive beard, is a reminder of the breed’s centuries-old usefulness as a rough water dog. The hair’s unique texture provides protection from the elements and underscores the breed’s ability to perform well in aquatic environments.
Standard Color | |
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Black | ee |
Brown | ee |
Fawn | ee |
Fawn | ee |
Gray | ee |
White | ee |
Standard Marking | |
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White Markings | ee |
Gray Markings | ee |
Black Markings | ee |
Brown Markings | ee |
Fawn Markings | ee |
A Note About Color: The Barbet may be found in all shades of black, gray, brown, and fawn; with or without white markings. White dogs with colored markings, called pied, are as equally acceptable as the solid-colored dogs.
The Barbet’s tail is an extension of both its topline and its character, serving both a functional and an expressive role. Strong at its base, the tail tapers gradually towards the tip. At rest, it hangs down, reaching the hocks or slightly below. During moments of alertness or excitement, the tail may be carried slightly raised, but it rarely curls over the back. The breed’s signature tail emphasizes its water dog lineage, acting as a rudder in fast-running streams and still bodies of water.
As a breed renowned for its amiable nature and storied past as a waterfowl retriever, the Barbet flourishes when provided with both physical activity and emotional connections. Whether interest in the breed stems from a desire for a loyal companion, a working partner, or an affable show dog, understanding its many unique characteristics will all but assure a mutually fulfilling connection between the Barbet and its family members.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Barbet ranges between 12 and 14 years. With optimal care and an active lifestyle, some individuals can even surpass this age range.
While the Barbet is generally considered a healthy breed, like any breed or mixed-breed dog, it can be susceptible to certain health risks. Awareness of these potential issues is key to proactive care and early detection.
The Barbet, with its spirited and sensitive nature, exudes warmth, intelligence, and enthusiasm. This breed forms strong bonds with family members and tends to mirror their emotions. Barbets are inherently social creatures, so prolonged isolation doesn’t sit well with them and can sometimes lead to separation anxiety. Their friendly and playful approach to life means they typically enjoy the company of people and other dogs, especially if they’ve been acquainted with them from a young age. Children often find a gentle and patient friend in the Barbet, making the breed a good choice as a family companion. With the right socialization, these dogs will typically extend warm greetings to strangers; however, their inherent loyalty may lead them to approach unfamiliar situations and new people with an appropriate amount of caution. This sensitivity also means the Barbet responds best to gentle training methods that are anchored in encouragement and praise.
As a breed with a rich heritage as a water dog, the Barbet requires a balanced diet to fuel its energy. When considering what to feed a puppy, it’s vital to ensure the food supports the growth phase. A high-quality puppy formula is needed, one that’s rich in essential nutrients, proteins, and fats. Transitioning to adult food usually takes place between 12 to 15 months. The amount of food required can vary based on factors such as age, metabolism, and activity level. On average, the mature Barbet may consume between 2 to 3 cups of quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with the dog’s breeder and veterinarian for advice on adjusting portion sizes. Barbets, like all breeds, can be susceptible to obesity if overfed. Monitoring weight gain and ensuring adequate exercise is provided can help with maintaining a healthy weight. Treats, while useful for training, should only be given in moderation.
Training a Barbet can be a fulfilling experience, given the breed’s innate intelligence and desire to please. While these dogs can be a relatively good choice for novice dog owners, they thrive best when positive reinforcement techniques are used. This breed is not one to react positively to harsh or punitive training methods. Their sensitive nature responds well to praise, treats, and affection, and since they are quick learners, they pick up new commands and tricks with relative ease. However, this intelligence means they can sometimes be a tad stubborn or independent-minded. Consistency is key with training, including managing the breed’s sometimes vocal nature. While not incessantly loud, the Barbet can express itself through vocalizations, especially when it spots something unusual and wants to alert its owner. Early socialization and training a “quiet” command can be helpful.
The Barbet’s usefulness as an active water dog has endowed it with a natural zest for physical activity. It’s therefore important to make sure the dog receives adequate exercise to promote its physical and mental well-being.
Energy Level | Moderate to High |
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Exercise Requirements | 2 Hours/Day (Minimum), Daily Walks, Weekly Swimming, Regular Exercise, Playing with Another Dog, Mental Stimulation |
Endowed with a moderate-to-high energy level, the Barbet thrives on daily exercise. These dogs will happily participate in most any activity, but brisk walks, games of fetch, and swimming are especially beneficial. The breed’s intensity, while not overwhelming, can sometimes surprise new owners. It’s important, therefore, to incorporate some rigorous exercise each day to help the Barbet expend all of its innate energy. Playfulness is also a defining characteristic of the breed. Whether chasing after a ball, engaging in interactive dog toys, or simply romping around in the yard, these dogs thrive on having fun. Prolonged play sessions, interspersed with short bursts of high-level activity, are excellent for helping a Barbet stay healthy and fit. And given the breed’s intelligent and social nature, regular play sessions can also satisfy the need for mental stimulation and social interaction.
The Barbet boasts a distinctive curly coat that’s both dense and water-resistant, a testament to the breed’s water dog heritage. Grooming is essential, not only for aesthetics but also for the dog’s health and comfort.
Coat Type | Black, Brown, Gray and White |
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Grooming Requirements | Weekly Brushing, Occasional Bathing, Routine Ear Cleaning, Periodic Nail Trimming, Regular Tooth Brushing |
The texture of a Barbet’s coat can vary. Some dogs have rather loose curls while others possess tighter ringlets. In all cases, regular brushing, at least weekly, is necessary to prevent mats and tangles from forming. Using a pin brush or a slicker brush, combined with a metal comb for the finer areas, can yield the best results. This will ensure the coat remains in optimal condi